Instant Replay: Flyers 5, Capitals 2

Instant Replay: Flyers 5, Capitals 2

A five-minute major and ensuing power play was a game changer for the Flyers on Tuesday night in the back end of their home-and-home engagement against the Washington Capitals.

Two power-play goals saw them turn a 2-2 tie into a two-goal lead during the Flyers' 5-2 victory at Wells Fargo Center that drew Craig Berube’s team to within one point of a playoff spot in the Metropolitan Division.

Matt Read’s team-high 10th goal at 11:54 of the second period drew the Flyers even at 2-2.

That set up the game’s turning point.

The Flyers were awarded a five-minute power play after Tom Wilson’s charging call against Brayden Schenn (see 10 observations).

The Flyers scored twice on that lengthy man-advantage with Mark Streit drilling one from the point and then Jakub Voracek potting his second goal of the night for a 4-2 lead.

Prior to all that, the Flyers were sloppy starting that period and paid for it as the Caps scored twice.

First, goalie Steve Mason let a rebound elude his glove hand on the ice for an easy 28th goal by Alex Ovechkin during a power play.

Then, minutes later, after Voracek had made it a 1-1 game, the Flyers' top line came down ice with all eyes on Troy Brouwer going into the corner for a puck.

Three different Flyers failed to realize that Eric Fehr was the trail man while he banged home a bad goal shortside on Mason for a 2-1 Caps lead.

Things would change soon after.

InjuriesSchenn likely was concussed after being slammed head first into the back boards by Wilson, who accelerated into his second-period hit as Schenn turned toward the boards. Schenn struggled to his feet, then collapsed and had to be assisted off the ice. Wilson drew a five-minute major for the hit (see video).

Watchful eyeClaude Giroux drew a minor penalty when Fehr drilled him in the chin for a roughing call in the first period. The hit also pinned Giroux’s right shoulder on the boards, too. The puck was long gone when Giroux got hit. Hence the penalty. Needless to say, any high hit is something to watch for the remainder of the week.

BreakawaysScott Hartnell had one early and was denied by Caps goalie Braden Holtby. Hartnell felt he was interfered with from behind.

Special teamsStreit drilled one off the right post during the Flyers' only power play in the first period while Holtby got his stick on Giroux’s open shot in the right slot. Then the Flyers scored twice off that five-minute major. They were 2 for 5 in the game. The Caps were 1 for 2.

Stone coldMason had several outstanding saves from five or six feet in the slot in the opening period on Nick Backstrom and Marcus Johansson, plus a point-shot save on Mike Green two seconds before Backstrom’s rebound.

Mason miscueMason mishandled a shot from Backstrom during the Caps’ carryover power play in the second period and Ovechkin had an easy goal in the paint. Mason’s mishandle of a clearing pass led to Ovie’s game-tying goal Sunday that sent the game into overtime.

Big glove saveBy Mason on John Carlson late in the game.

Watching OvieOvechkin had just two shots through two periods. Sean Couturier’s line matched up against him most of the game. Ovie finished with one goal for his lone point of the game.

First pointChris VandeVelde picked up his first point as a Flyer (fourth overall in NHL) on Streit’s power-play goal with an assist.

ScoutsTwo scouts from the Montreal Canadiens were on hand for this game, including assistant general manager Rich Dudley. One scout was from Winnipeg.

FightsAdam Hall decisioned Aaron Volpatti, who is a pretty good fighter in the second period. Nick Grossmann and Wilson fought to a draw when Grossmann went after the Caps’ winger for his hit on Schenn.

NHL Notes: Oilers sign star Leon Draisaitl to mega 8-year contract

NHL Notes: Oilers sign star Leon Draisaitl to mega 8-year contract

EDMONTON, Alberta -- The Edmonton Oilers have signed center Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of $8.5 million.

The extension runs through the 2024-25 season, similar to the eight-year, $100-million extension superstar captain Connor McDavid signed with the team in July.

With the signings, the Oilers are banking on McDavid and Draisaitl providing a potent one-two punch for the team as it looks to build on last season's return to the playoffs after a decade of futility.

Draisaitl, a 21-year-old German, had 77 points (29 goals, 48 assists) last season, his third in the NHL.

He finished eighth among NHL scorers, and second on the Oilers behind McDavid.

He led the Oilers in scoring during the 2017 playoffs, posting 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 13 games.

Draisaitl was selected third overall by the Oilers at the 2015 draft (see full story).

Avalanche: Hobey Baker winner Butcher now free agentCollege hockey's top player is an NHL free agent after former University of Denver defenseman Will Butcher allowed a deadline to pass without signing with the Colorado Avalanche.

The Avalanche selected Butcher in the fifth round of the 2013 draft and had until Tuesday to sign the Hobey Baker Award winner who led Denver to a national championship in April.

A person with direct knowledge of the discussions told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Butcher already has had discussions with the Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils and NHL-expansion Vegas Golden Knights. The person said Butcher has not yet narrowed his list, and is also talking with other teams.

The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the talks are private.

The Denver Post first reported the three specific teams expressing interest in Butcher (see full story).

Wild: Cullen comes home for 21st NHL seasonThe Minnesota Wild and center Matt Cullen have agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract, bringing him back to his home state for a 21st season in the NHL.

The Wild announced the deal, which includes $700,000 in potential performance bonuses, on Wednesday.

Cullen played the last two years with Pittsburgh, winning consecutive Stanley Cups with the Penguins. He played three seasons for the Wild from 2010-13, his first return to Minnesota since launching his career at Moorhead High School and St. Cloud State.

Cullen, who will turn 41 on Nov. 2, had 13 goals and 18 assists in 72 games in 2016-17 for the Penguins, plus two goals and seven assists in 25 playoff games. He has played in 1,366 career regular season games, the sixth-most among active players (see full story).